Hellenic Development Bank (HDB) and Orange Grove Sign Memorandum of Cooperation to Foster Innovation and Support Greek Startups.

Hellenic Development Bank (HDB) and Orange Grove Sign Memorandum of Cooperation to Support Startups and SMEs in Greece

The Hellenic Development Bank (HDB) and Orange Grove have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoU), marking the launch of a strategic partnership aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Greece, with a strong focus on sustainable growth and international connectivity.

The partnership will leverage the complementary networks, expertise and tools of both organisations to facilitate Greek businesses’ access to skills, markets and financing, while strengthening their capacity to innovate, scale and expand internationally.

The Memorandum of Cooperation aims to create synergies between HDB and Orange Grove through:

• Strengthening entrepreneurship through educational programmes, mentoring and acceleration schemes.
• Connecting InnoAgora with the Orange Grove network, providing startups with enhanced access to investors, business networks and international markets.
• Supporting sustainability-focused startups operating in sectors such as AgriTech, Renewable Energy, Blue Economy and Circular Economy.
• Promoting innovation through joint initiatives with international organisations and embassies, further strengthening the international outlook and growth potential of Greek startups.

Ismini Papakyrillou, Chief Executive Officer of the Hellenic Development Bank (HDB), stated:

“The partnership with Orange Grove represents another strategic step for HDB towards strengthening Greece’s innovation ecosystem. By combining HDB’s financing instruments and expertise with Orange Grove’s dynamic network and experience in accelerating the growth of startups, we are creating a comprehensive support mechanism for innovative entrepreneurial initiatives.

Our aim is to facilitate access to financing, strengthen entrepreneurial skills and open new pathways for internationalisation, particularly in areas of sustainable development where Greece has significant competitive advantages. Our cooperation with Orange Grove is an investment in the future of the Greek economy, supporting innovative ideas and helping them evolve into competitive businesses with international reach.”

Alexandra Sarma, General Director & Chair of the Orange Grove Steering Committee, stated:

“Through the collaboration between Orange Grove and the Hellenic Development Bank, we are expanding opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs by providing access to shared pools of tools, networks and expertise. Our goal is to create the right conditions for sustainable, resilient and competitive business models.

Through targeted initiatives, we aim to strengthen connectivity, collaboration and the ability of startups and SMEs to create meaningful impact, positioning innovation and sustainability not as an add-on, but as a foundation of their business strategy.”